A portion of Monterey State Beach, or Monterey Municipal Beach located within the city limits on Monterey, was posted with the warning after samples taken Monday were found to be in excess of state mandated bacterial standards for ocean waters at beaches visited by more than 50,000 people annually, Monterey County director of environmental health John Ramirez said in a statement.
A bacteria advisory was also posted on the beach at Lover's Point Park in Pacific Grove, where samples taken from the ocean Monday were also found to be contaminated with an above-average bacterial level in excess of state standards.
The bacteria advisories will remain posted at both beaches until the environmental health department determines they are back at a safe level for recreational activities in the water.
Beach waters can become contaminated with bacteria by marine life, rainfall runoff, storm drains and human activity, Ramirez said.
Updated information on Monterey Peninsula beaches can be obtained by calling the beach hotline at (800) 347-6363 or online at www.co.monterey.ca.us.
